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08/16/2017

Patient Access Survey Now Live; Share Your Experiences

AAHomecare’s patient access survey is now live, giving suppliers, case managers, and beneficiaries a chance to weigh in on the impact of competitive bidding. The survey is being undertaken in response to regulatory policymakers and members of Congress looking for more information on Medicare beneficiary access to HME as they work on improving the bidding program and providing a measure of relief to rural/non-bid providers. Providers can take the survey here, and also find links to beneficiary and caregiver surveys.

As we noted last week, securing beneficiary participation will likely be the most challenging part of the exercise, so we are still looking for more patients/caregivers to participate in particular. Considering the challenges some beneficiaries may face taking the survey online, Dobson DaVanzo will also be reaching these participants by phone for interviews, as needed. Since the recent reimbursement rates for rural providers also affects TRICARE beneficiaries, we also welcome patients in that group.

Findings from this survey may have a significant impact on future HME regulations and legislation, so we hope to recruit enough well-informed respondents in all categories to give a credible picture of Medicare beneficiary access to HME products and related services.

Providers who want to take part in the survey, including helping to recruit patients or discharge planners/case managers, should contact Ashley Plauche, AAHomecare manager of government affairs, at ashleyp@aahomecare.org.